Corrupt cops confess to extorting Aussies
Seven Balinese police are going on trial after confirmation they received a bribe from a group of Australian partygoers who hired strippers while on a buck's night.
Mark Ipaviz's celebrations went horribly wrong in Seminyak when he and his friends were pistol-whipped and tasered by local police, even after paying them a bribe.
Bali Deputy Police Chief Nyoman Suryasta said action is going to be taken against the cops who had "damaged the name of Indonesian police".
Their punishment will be decided by the trial judge and could range anywhere from being sacked to an apology.
The expose has come a day after Kuta Police Chief Deddy Januarth denied the officers asked for the $25,000 bribe.
The police chief even wrote a handwritten apology signed by the buck's night party, stating police never asked for the money.
The Indonesian Embassy in Australia reported a strong reaction on social media had triggered the investigation.
"We investigated and we confirmed it's true, it really happened, there were facts," Mr Nyoman told Fairfax.
"We have reported this to the Indonesian Police Chief. We will take firm action."
The buck's party included nightclub owner Nick Russian, various former models, celebrity hairdresser Joey Scandizzo, and other friends of Ipaviz.
